Winning Post

Racing at Chipley Park on Jan 25

THE Tiverton point-to-point promises some exciting racing at Chipley Park near Wellington on Sunday ( January 25). 162 entries have been received with every prospect of ground on the soft side of good.    Racing gets under way at 12 noon with Rockwithacaveman heading the 13 entries for the Hunt race. This prolific pointing winner finished third on his seasonal debut at Barbury Castle last Saturday, and should be able to step up on this if turning out here. Last year’s 50-1 winner of this event Hollandia, and Come What Augustus look best of the others.   Kingscliff currently heads the Cheltenham Foxhunters ante-post betting and would be the star attraction if taking up his Mixed Open entry in preference to Larkhill on the day before. His main opposition from the 30 nominations could come from the Hobbs yard in the shape of Zabenz and Saint Romble. Zabenz is an interesting newcomer to points, having won over jumps in Australia, plus three Grade 1 races in America in his younger days. The Exeter Racecourse Intermediate looks competitive. Bumper winner King of the Jungle had an outing at Black Forest Lodge on the opening day of the season, but faces useful opposition in such as Celestial Dragon, Walter de Wodeland, Senor Cid and Sulawacee.     The 18 entries for the Novice Riders’ event are headed by Little Ed and Lord of Illusion, already winners this season. Stone Valley, El Hombre Del Rio and King Georges all hold chances in another wide open contest. Welsh challengers Farnogue and Its Danny Boy, winners at the first Black Forest meeting, are among the 29 entries for the Restricted, but there are plenty of permutations here with some good Maiden winners waiting to step up. Tres Bien, Ansa The Question, Duxy Hill Lady, Over to Charlie and Murdol are all capable of winning in this class. The Open Maiden has been divided to make a seven race card. The Leslie Jefford trained Golden Benefit has shown enough to warrant support in the first section, where Taralina also catches the eye. In the second section, Owen’s Boy has shown promise in Irish and English Maidens. Macswiggan, Me and Pat and Midnight Clover have experience under rules and enter the reckoning in another tricky looking event. Chipley Park is a good viewing course located 3 miles NE of Wellington, Somerset, on the B3187 (Junction 26 M5). Admission costs £20 for car and occupants, with a concession of £10 for a single occupant.